Our Story

Bear Givers Founder, Joseph Sprung, launched Bears 4 Kids in 2003 as a way to brighten the lives of hospitalized children and their families with a personal visit and the gift of a soft and cuddly teddy bear. Soon, Joe expanded his program to schools serving children with special needs.

Joe quickly realized that these students would benefit from being given the opportunity to help others. Thus, Bear Givers’ Empowerment Program was born and EmpowerArt followed soon after. As the organization’s mission expanded, a name change was in order. Bears 4 Kids became Bear Givers in 2009 to better capture and convey the spirit and mission of this unique non-profit organization.